Our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan will be happy to hear about this news. Actually, this isn’t only for OFWs but for all the migrant workers employed therein.
According to an amendment to the Employment Service Act, Taiwan will now be canceling the requirement for migrant workers to exit Taiwan after three years of working.
This move is expected to benefit “as many as 14,000 blue-collar foreign workers, domestic helpers and caregivers each year,” according to a report by the TaiwanNews website.
With the implementation of this new rule, migrant workers will be able to save time and money at the same time. Employers, on the other hand, can take advantage of the reduced waiting period following the required exits.
In the past, migrant workers were required by the law to leave Taiwan every three years. Only workers who are receiving professional training and demonstrating “exemplary service” were allowed to enjoy an extension of up to 14 years.
The exit was an expensive one since it meant that the migrant workers would have to spend about NT$80,000 to NT$150,000 as they pay for brokerage fees every time they return to Taiwan.
This has indeed become a welcome news for both the migrant workers and their Taiwanese employers. With the saved money, OFWs can instead use that big amount for their personal needs, for their savings, or to send back home to their families. The employers, on the other hand, do not have to worry about hiring or training new workers to fill in while waiting for the migrant employees to come back. It is likewise anticipated that the rule will result to attracting more foreign workers since some hesitated to seek Taiwan employment because of the costly exit requirement.
What do you think of this policy change, dear readers? Hit us up in the comment section and be sure to share this wonderful news with others.
H/T: Taiwan News